EGG-SHAPED ÉTUI
Creator(s): Unknown
On view in: Marjorie Post's Bedroom
About this object
An étui, or bodkin holder, is a decorative container used to hold bodkins (hairpins), toothpicks, or other small tools.
The egg is carved from a grey striped agate made in two pieces which are hollowed out. Both pieces are held in a cage chased in gold consisting of rococo scrolls with small sprays of flowers. At the top is a bell shaped finial. The hinge has an inscription in gold letters on an opaque white enamel ground. A rose diamond releases the hinge. The interior is lined with gilt copper and the compartment is missing.
- Object name:
- EGG-SHAPED ÉTUI
- Made from:
- Agate -- gold -- enamel -- diamond -- copper
- Made in:
- Germany
- Date made:
- 19th c.
- Size:
- 5.1 × 3 cm (2 × 1 3/16 in.)
Detailed information for this item
- Catalog number:
- 11.157
- Class:
- GOLD
- Signature marks:
- MARK: 5278...XX [Scratched into box] Inscription Rien n'est agreable eloignez de vous Around center Eloignez is spelled incorrectly. It is the old spelling of éloignés, and does not make sense in this context.
- Credit line:
- Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973